Going Out Tonight? How to Take Your Work Clothes From Day to Night

A night out calls for something special: You work hard and now it’s time to play hard, but what if you’re going out after work? Although it’s hard to get around not wearing your business attire in anticipation of the night ahead, there are some things that you can add or take away, depending on where you think your night will lead you. No matter where you go, you don’t want to look sloppy. Just remember that good fashion shouldn’t go out the door once you leave your office cubicle. Here’s how you can easily turn your office outfit into one that you can wear for a night out.

If you’re going to a bar

If you’re unsure what you’re doing, but know you will definitely end up at a bar, follow these tips. You don’t want to be that after-work guy who rolls up to a bar with his dress shirt untucked, looking worse for the wear. GQ suggests some of these outfit tweaks to better equip yourself for your night of freedom. Make sure to ditch the crisp collared button down shirt to keep your look fresh after hours (which is the biggest well-kept secret to doing it right after work). Here are some quick outfit fixes:

Button-down under a sweater

Wear a v-neck sweater over your button down, and then all you have to do is ditch the button down at work and wear the v-neck out.

Button-down under a suit

For this look, you’ll want to keep an extra pair of sneakers, particularly leather ones, under your desk. If you’re wearing this to work, make sure to wear a T-shirt underneath or simply swap it for a T-shirt you’ve brought with you, and slip on the spare pair of leather sneakers. The T-shirt makes your suit, as well as your aura, younger and cooler. Not to mention that you’ll feel comfortable and bar appropriate.

Button-down with chinos

This look is a favorite. If you’re wearing chinos that day, dress them down by trading your crisp button down shirt for a hoodie or a sweatshirt. Either are easy to wear under a topcoat, making you look like a bad ass.

Button-down with jeans

If you’re lucky enough to be able to wear jeans to work, or maybe it’s just casual Friday, swap your button down for your favorite T-shirt or Henley. Add a cool chunky knit or Mr. Rogers-type cardigan, and you’re ready to go.

Source: iStock

If you’re going clubbing

This changes the game a bit. The club we’re referring to is the kind of place where there is a bouncer at the door, a velvet rope, and a line to get in. What you can wear to a club depends upon the type of club you’re going to and the dress code they require, as well as the city you’re going to the club in. One thing is for sure, though: This type of environment requires due diligence, and you cannot look like a slob. Esquire suggests these few tips if you’re struggling with what to wear when heading over after work (later in the evening, of course).

Don’t wear the nicest clothes you own

It’s going to be sweaty and someone is bound to spill a drink on you.

Don’t wear black

It sounds counterintuitive, but since clubs tend to be festooned with black light bulbs, your black clothing under those lights will look brownish and unattractive. Opt instead for gray (to help hide sweat because you will be having a lot of it) and blue because it always looks good at night.

Tuck in your shirt

This makes it easier to wear your after work attire. Just make sure you lose the tie.

If you’re heading over to the club early

Wearing your nice work attire may actually be beneficial for you. It makes others think you’re important, you’re always working, and that you barely have time to party. Wearing a suit will definitely help you get past the door.

If you’re going at any other point

Your work attire should still suffice, but just make sure you have a lovely woman by your side.